In the rapid-fire realm of municipal politics, time seldom pauses. Yet, even so, increasingly negative impacts As aspects of a Trump presidency continue to unfold daily, this moment exemplifies that reality.
I often think about the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was rapid agreement worldwide on the necessity for immediate measures to safeguard people. In response, Canada took action. with bold measures , implementing initiatives swiftly to support businesses, employees, and families. The federal public service responded remarkably quickly. Now, we confront yet another emergency—demanding an equally urgent response.
As elections progress, a fresh federal administration will shortly assume power, and significant choices will have to be made at breakneck pace.
Town officials, whether in large urban centers or smaller and medium-sized towns similar to my own, are eagerly anticipating concrete steps forward.
The Minister of Housing manages the CMHC - Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) currently has numerous funding applications pending — applications that, if approved today, could lead to the rapid development of tens of thousands of affordable homes. My community is among those waiting.
Following comprehensive consultations and planning efforts, we have suggested reallocating this unused facility. 200-bed college dormitory In Kemptville, we aimed to convert spaces into 60 affordable rental units for seniors and veterans. However, our application has been pending for several weeks now, even though they had committed to completing the review within 30 days.
It has been communicated that there aren't sufficient underwriters available to handle all the applications, hence our only option at present is to wait. For how long remains uncertain. Furthermore, considering the upcoming federal election, these delays might become even more prolonged, potentially causing meticulously planned, ready-to-implement initiatives to face indefinite postponement.
Many other towns find themselves in similar situations. Millions of dollars allocated for locally driven affordable housing programs are at stake. These initiatives aren’t merely about providing homes; they’re also vital for boosting the economy when doubt hangs over everything else.
After a new administration takes office, it’s quite possible that federal housing initiatives might face cuts, changes in purpose, or rebranding. Areas similar to my community, which have dedicated considerable effort, funds, and public money to comply with specified criteria, could find themselves compelled to begin anew or endure an exceptionally lengthy delay before these projects can move forward.
This is a critical period, necessitating an agile—and perhaps assertive—strategy that surpasses retaliatory tariffs. The federal initiatives that previously facilitated more cost-effective housing on a limited scale via funding must now expand significantly. However, to achieve this larger scope, these programs need both authorization and adequate staffing to implement their plans effectively.
A 2023 Deloitte study It is estimated that substantially increasing Canada’s supply of community housing could raise the country's GDP by almost $70 billion within five years. The economic rationale behind this is evident. Even with the disruptions caused by Trump, Canada continues to face one of its most urgent challenges in the form of a significant housing shortfall affecting communities across various sizes.
Communities like North Grenville are now taking initiative, despite traditionally not considering this within their purview. In Ontario, there are 440 municipalities, numerous ones among them have utilized their assets and knowledge to create feasible plans for increasing accessible housing on properties they control. However, these towns require entry to federal funding options to move forward with their initiatives.
Regardless of which party emerges victorious from this election, the incoming administration ought to seize the moment to expand CHMC’s capabilities, kickstart these initiatives, and ensure the utilization of Canadian-made materials at every available turn. Such actions would yield immediate economic advantages, notably within rural regions across the country.
Even the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — which typically holds conservative views — has urged the federal government to adopt an "everyone involved" strategy.
Rather than being sidelined as a politically contentious issue, municipalities that are prepared and capable of developing affordable housing ought to receive targeted financial support instead of facing obstacles. Here's hoping Canada’s upcoming prime minister takes this opportunity to act.
Nancy Peckford The mayor of North Grenville is him.